Pro Tips: Soccer Star Chris Wondolowski

How the San Jose Earthquakes forward handles a grueling eight-month soccer season

VITALS

Age: 30
Height: 6 feet
Weight: 165 pounds
San Ramon, California

In March, when Major League Soccer begins its 18th season, fans will be looking for a fresh infusion of talent as they mourn the departure of MLS’s biggest name, David Beckham. Enter San Jose Earthquakes forward Chris Wondolowski, who grew up playing ball just a short drive from the Quakes’ home field and is now one of the league’s most dangerous strikers: in 2012, he tied the single-season scoring record with 30 goals, earning a league MVP award. Here’s how Wondo copes with MLS’s brutal eight-month, 34-game schedule—give or take a playoff run.

MIND THE GRASS: “You can run on a treadmill all day, but when you get out on the field, it’s a whole different level. That’s why I try and do most of my fitness on the grass, outside.”

CRUISE CONTROL: “I like the freedom I have during the off-season to do what I want. I know my body. I can ramp it up when I’m feeling it or take it easy when I need to.”

KNOW THY SELF: “Know your weaknesses. I can keep my motor going for 90 minutes or more, but I’m not a good sprinter. To work on my speed, I run a hill by my house. It’s not huge, but doing repeats on it gets the job done.”

SHARP SHOOTER: “Four days a week, I rope a few of the goalies into staying after practice so I can work on shooting. For me that’s just as important as fitness.”

ALPHA EATS OMEGA: “The U.S. Men’s National Team had a nutritionist talk to us about our diet. He recommended fish oil for omega-3’s, which is supposed to help with brain function and eyesight. I’ve taken it ever since.”

AVOVADO ADVOCACY: “I couldn’t survive a week without avocado. It’s my go-to. It’s a little bit on the fatty side, but I love the taste.”

POSITIVE VISION: “Positive thinking works. The night before a game, I visualize myself playing well. I’ve been doing it since high school. I like to see the ball hit the back of the net.”

ShareShareTweetEmail

Want to get Outside more?

Sign up for our newsletter and get the latest fitness tips, expert gear reviews, the best travel advice, and more.